Apparatus and method for treating a surface defect

ABSTRACT

Described herein is an apparatus for treating a surface defect on a target surface. The apparatus includes a pump having a housing that defines a chamber for storage of a surface defect treatment composition and an applicator having an orifice in fluid communication with the chamber. The pump and the applicator are positioned such that the pump housing is manually compressible to directly deliver surface defect treatment composition from the chamber to a target surface defect on a surface by way of the orifice.

The present application claims the benefit of pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/731,662, filed Oct. 31, 2005 the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

The present application relates generally to an apparatus and/or method for treating a defect on a target surface. More particularly, the application relates to such an apparatus for applying a treatment composition to the target surface and operating the apparatus to diminish the appearance of a surface defect evident on the target surface.

BACKGROUND

The metallic surfaces of machines or equipment, such as automobile bodies, are commonly painted, especially if these surfaces are to be exposed to a potentially harmful environment or conditions. To protect the surfaces, a coating system is typically applied over the surface protection. The coating system may also be applied to achieve and maintain a desired aesthetic quality. Nevertheless, the coating system will, over time, be subject to a variety stresses that can ultimately generate defects on the surface of the coating. Such surface defects include scratches, scruffs, or other imperfections that compromise the uniformity of the coating. It is advantageous to address these surface defects so as to guard against further damage to the coating system and the underlying metallic surface, and maintain the coating system's aesthetic value.

SUMMARY

The present application provides an apparatus for treating a surface defect on a target surface, the apparatus comprising:

a pump having a housing that defines a chamber for storage of a surface defect treatment composition; and

an applicator having an orifice in fluid communication with the chamber; and

wherein the pump and the applicator are positioned such that the pump housing is manually compressible to directly deliver surface defect treatment composition from the chamber to a target surface defect on a surface by way of the orifice.

Also described is a method for treating a surface defect on a target surface, the method comprising the steps of:

providing an apparatus for treating a surface defect on a target surface, the apparatus having a pump including a housing that defines a chamber for storage of a surface defect treatment composition and handle for manual handling of the pump, and an applicator having an orifice in fluid communication with the chamber, wherein the pump and the applicator are positioned such that the pump housing is manually compressible to directly deliver composition from the chamber to a target surface defect on a surface by way of the orifice;

storing a surface defect treatment composition in the chamber of the pump housing;

manually directing the applicator orifice to the vicinity of the target surface, through handling of the pump housing;

compressing the pump housing to displace treatment composition in the chamber and to deliver the treatment composition directly to the surface defect, including manually controlling the rate of dispensing of the treatment composition by way of manual operation of the pump; and

distributing the surface treatment composition about the surface, thereby buffing the surface defect and diminishing the appearance of the surface defect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an apparatus for treating a surface defect on a target surface;

FIG. 2 is a side, elevation view of the apparatus in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded, perspective view of the apparatus in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an elevation view of a dispensing tip for the apparatus in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the dispensing tip in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a closure cap for the apparatus in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of an alternative apparatus for treating a surface defect on a target surface;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a pump for the apparatus in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a closure cap for the apparatus in FIG. 7;

FIGS. 10-11 represent scratch measurements using Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy of the black panel of Example 1, before and after treatment, respectively;

FIGS. 12-13 represent scratch measurements using Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy of the red panel of Example 1, before and after treatment, respectively; and

FIGS. 14-15 represent scratch measurements using Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy of the white panel of Example 1, before and after treatment, respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-3 provide various views of a preferred apparatus 100 for treating a surface defect. The treatment apparatus 100 is a manually operable device for dispensing and directly applying the treatment composition onto a target surface and in a controlled manner that is particularly advantageous to treating a surface defect thereon. The preferred apparatus is also used to safely and conveniently store the treatment composition. The treatment apparatus 100 is effective in treating a defect on target surface such as a coated substrate of a paint system.

It should be noted that the apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 1-9 and described herein are particularly suited for use on external surfaces found in or on automobile bodies. Such surfaces are typically metallic surfaces that are susceptible to scratches, scruffs, mars, nicks, abrasions, and other minor surface damage. Accordingly, the apparatus described herein may be used as an appliance stored in the automobile (e.g., glove box) or a garage, so as to be readily and conveniently available for use on the automobile.

As used herein, the term “surface defect” shall mean common scratches, scruffs, mars, nicks, abrasions, writing effects, and other surface imperfections and other minor surface damage that create an observable edge on the affected surface of the coated substrate. The edge may be accompanied by a void (or vice-versa) in the target surface, resulting from coating material being forcibly displaced by harder material engaging the surface. A suitable treatment composition will typically include abrasive materials and a glossing composition. As further described herein, these surface defects are treated for the purpose of diminishing their appearance. In addition to dispensing and distributing the surface defect treatment composition, the treatment apparatus may be used to buff the vicinity of the surface imperfection (“target surface”) with the treatment composition. In this process, the abrasive materials operate to smoothen the edge, while the glossing composition fills the voids.

Surface treatment compositions suitable for use with the apparatus include most, if not all, of the commonly available liquid compositions that are presently marketed as suitable to treat the surface defects described above. These treatment compositions are typically stored in conventional containers (e.g., a tube or can) and applied with a brush or rag. It is further contemplated that the apparatus may also be used to store and directly apply liquid treatment compositions which are not yet commercially available, as long as such compositions may be safely stored in the pump housing and deliverable therefrom to a target surface.

As used herein, the term “coated substrates” refers to substrates comprising a coating formed using a paint system. Coatings formed using paint systems typically comprise one or more of the following coatings: primer; base coat; and, clear coat. A “primer” is a surfacer that fills in imperfections in the substrate. The primer also typically provides a conductive layer to facilitate the electrostatic application of subsequently applied coating layers. A “base coat” is a coating layer, for example a pigmented enamel layer, that provides color and aesthetic effects. A “clear coat,” if present, generally interfaces with the environment. Typical clear coats include acrylic melamine and acrylic urethane polymers. A “top coat” refers to the combination of a base coat and a clear coat.

The substrate may comprise substantially any solid material. The solid material may be metal, metal oxide, plastic, or fiber reinforced plastic. As discussed previously, the coated substrate may be a component of an automobile, for example, a bumper or an automobile body.

A suitable treatment composition may be used to repair defects in the coated substrates, while minimizing damage to the surrounding coating surface. In particular, the preferred treatment composition works to repair defects without significantly changing the glossiness of the surrounding coated substrate. As described herein, the present apparatus is particularly suited for this function because it is operable to apply the treated composition directly on and confined to the target surface and in a controlled manner (in respect to amount of composition and rate of delivery).

Gloss or glossiness is an optical phenomenon caused when evaluating the appearance of a surface. The evaluation of gloss describes the capacity of a surface to reflect directed light. In the case of glossy surfaces, light reflection from the surface follows the reflection law (i.e., the angle of illumination=angle of reflection). The intensity of the reflected light is dependent on the angle of illumination and the surface property. Generally, a decrease in glossiness is a relative indication of the severity of damage to a coated substrate.

Application of a treatment composition through use of treatment apparatus repairs defects at a coated surface with minimal damage to the surrounding coated substrate, as demonstrated by one or more of: (a) an increase in scratch diminishment after treatment; (b) an increase in gloss after treatment; and/or (c) a decrease in scratch width and/or depth. The surface defect treatment composition comprises a combination of relatively non-aggressive inorganic abrasive particles and polydimethylsiloxane.

The apparatus 100 may be described as having three distinct operable sections. A pump body 102 (or simply, a pump 102) occupies a middle section and includes a pump housing 104. The pump housing 104 further defines an internal chamber 106 for storing the treatment composition. The apparatus 100 also includes an applicator 108 for dispensing and applying a treatment composition delivered from the chamber 106 onto the target surface. Among other things, the combination of the pump 102 and the applicator 108 allows a user to dispense a scratch treatment composition from safe storage and apply it directly to a target surface. Moreover, combination of the pump 102 and applicator 108 allows the user to directly apply the treatment composition to a target surface in a controlled manner (rate and amount), while operating a single device.

A third section of the apparatus 100 is a buffer device 110 that is attached to the pump housing 104. The buffer device 110 may be used to distribute the treatment composition about the target surface and then buff the target surface with the applied scratch treatment composition. With the addition of the buffer device 110, the apparatus 102 allows the user to store treatment composition, directly apply the treatment composition to a target surface, and buff the target surface with the treatment composition, while operating a single manual device.

The pump housing 104 is preferably configured such that the pump 102 is a self-standing, manually-operable, positive displacement pump. More specifically, the pump housing 104 is a hollowed body that is manually compressible (i.e., deformable) to displace, and thereby, deliver a treatment composition stored in the chamber 106. The pump housing 104 is also sufficiently resilient such that it automatically returns to its initial compressible configuration. Resiliency is achieved by selecting suitable plastic materials for the pump housing 104 and employing a suitable configuration. Such a pump housing is referred to as having an elastic construction such that the housing resiliently returns to an initial configuration after compression. One suitable configuration is the totally enclosed, hollowed configuration depicted in FIGS. 1-3, wherein the pump housing 104 has a sufficiently firm (non-collapsible) end wall at an anterior end 112 and at a posterior end 116 and a sleek, tapered circumferential surface.

The pump 102 is preferably constructed from a plastic material that imparts flexibility and resiliency to the housing 104, such as polyethelene, polyvinylchloride (PVC) and the like. In a preferred configuration shown in FIGS. 1-3, the pump housing 104 is generally elongated and provided with an anterior end 112 to which the applicator 108 is detachably attached, and a posterior end 116 end to which the buffer device 110 is attached. As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the housing 104 is preferably wider (see plan view of FIG. 1) than it is tall (see side elevation view of FIG. 2). These two lateral dimensions (width and height) are generally greater near the anterior end 112 than at the posterior end 116. The pump housing 104 has, therefore, a generally tapered construction—as viewed from the anterior end 112 to the posterior end 116. As a further result, the chamber 106 has a greater volume near the anterior end 112 than at the posterior end 116. Thus, the user can control the amount of displacement (of treatment composition in the chamber 106), in one way, by concentrating compression closer to the anterior end 112 (to displace more volume) or closer to the posterior end 116 (to displace less volume). The user can also vary the location of compression during operation to further control rate of compression and amount delivered. In these respects, the exterior or circumferential surface 104′ of the pump housing 104 function also as a handle area of the apparatus 100.

The pump housing 104 is also provided with laterally directed feelers 114 on its top and bottom sides. The feelers 114 helps the user locate, position, and grip the pump 102.

The above-described construction features enhance the capability of the pump 102 to deliver treatment composition from the chamber 106 to the applicator 108. Moreover, these features facilitate manual operation of the apparatus 100 by a user. A user can readily hold and maneuver the apparatus 100 by way of the pump housing 104 and direct the applicator 108 to the target surface. The flexibility and resiliency of the housing 104 allow the user to squeeze and compress the housing 104 with ease, thereby displacing treatment composition in the chamber 106 toward the anterior end 112 and the applicator 108 and onto the target surface. As discussed above, the user can also manually control the rate of dispensing. In this way, the amount of treatment composition dispensed may be readily confined to the target surface. This avoids waste and use of excess treatment composition and possible damage to contacted surfaces that do not exhibit surface defects.

The internal walls of the housing 104 define the chamber 106. At the anterior end 112, an outlet 118 extends longitudinally outward of the housing 104. An open, internal end of the outlet 118 fluidly communicates with chamber 106 while an exterior nozzle 144 engages the applicator 108. As shown in FIG. 3, two strands of thread are disposed about the nozzle 144: first thread 120 and second thread 122.

The applicator 108 may be described as an assembly including a closure cap 124 and a dispensing tip 126. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the closure cap 124 and dispensing tip 126 engages the pump 102 by way of threads 120 and 122, respectively. Threads 120 and 122 are preferably oriented in opposing directions to facilitate alternate removal of the closure cap 124 and the dispensing tip 126.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the dispensing tip 126 is bell shaped and equipped with a fluid orifice 128 at its point. The dispensing tip 126 further includes a serrated circumferential surface 130 to facilitating tightening, as well as removal, of the dispensing tip 126 on the nozzle 144. When the dispensing tip 126 is secured about the outlet 118, the orifice 128 fluidly communicates with the chamber 106. Accordingly, manual operation of the pump 102 delivers treatment composition from the chamber 106 through the orifice 128 and onto the target surface. The internal shape of the dispensing tip 126 and sizing of the fluid orifice 128 help to control dispensing of treatment composition during pumping of the pump 102. In sizing of the orifice 128, the viscosity of the liquid treatment composition is generally considered, as well as a desired range of dispensing rate.

Referring to FIG. 4, the closure cap 124 preferably has a tapered construction that matches the taper of the pump housing 104. When secured about the nozzle 144, the closure cap 124 protects the treatment composition stored in the chamber 106 from exposure. The closure cap 124 has an internal bore 138 equipped with internal threads 148 to match the first threads 120 on the nozzle 144. The closure cap 124 also includes an extended plug 142 that mates with and plugs the orifice 128 of the dispensing tip 126 when the closure cap 124 is threadedly secured to the pump 102. The closure cap 124 is removed from the nozzle 144 prior to use of the pump 102 and then re-secured into place after application of the treatment composition.

Returning to FIG. 3, the apparatus 102 includes, as an added feature, the buffer device 110. To accommodate the buffer device 110, the pump body 102 is configured with a generally rectangular shaped end cap 150. The buffer device 110 includes a base 152 that defines a slot 154. The female cap 150 of the buffer device 110 engages the slot 154 and locks onto the pump 102.

The buffer device 100 also includes a relatively firm, semi-porous blade 156 for distributing treatment composition about the target surface. By maneuvering the pump 102, the user can move the blade 156 about, distribute the composition, and rub the composition against parts of the surface defect and polish the target surface with the treatment composition (hereinafter referred to collectively as “buffing”). The blade 156 is preferably made of a material that is relatively soft in respect to the typical coating, so as to guard against damage to the coating system. The blade 156 is also preferably semi-porous such that it can absorb some of the treatment composition during use. In distributing the treatment composition about the target surface, the semi-porous blade 156 does not simply push the applied composition around and ahead of the blade. Rather, the blade 156 temporarily stores treatment composition and then leaves some amount on the target surface as the blade 156 passes over a contacted surface. In one embodiment, the blade 156 is of a felt material that is die cut to a suitable stable, angular form. The blade 156 is also sufficiently firm to allow the user to rub the composition against the edges in the surface defect.

In one embodiment, the apparatus 100 is approximately about 615 cm (2.421 in) long and about 1.20 cm (0.472 in) thick and wide at the anterior end 112 of pump 102. The closure cap in this embodiment is about 1.22 cm (0.469 in) long with a diameter of about 1.19 cm (0.469 in). In this embodiment, the chamber 106 provides a storage volume of about 2 to 3 ounces. Further, the orifice 128 is sized at about 0.15 cm (0.06 in) in diameter. Other sizes and configurations for the components of the apparatus 100 may be provided and will, of course, be apparent from the present Description and Figures to one generally skilled in the relevant art.

The pump housing, the closure cap, and buffer base may be made of a suitable plastic material such as polypropylene. In further embodiments, the pump housing may be made of a PVC or polyethylene material and manufactured using a blow-molding process. In certain embodiments, the closure cap and the base of the buffer device are preferably made of a HDPE or polypropylene material and formed using an injection molding process.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate an alternative apparatus 200 for treating a surface defect on a target surface. The apparatus 200 includes a pump body 202, a detachable applicator 208, and a buffer device 210. As with the apparatus 200, the pump 202 is generally elongated and has a preferred tapered construction. In this embodiment, the pump 202 includes an unthreaded tube outlet 218 into which a flow regulator 260 of the applicator 208 may be inserted and secured. The flow regulator 260 includes an orifice 262 that fluidly communicates with the outlet 218 and thereby, with a chamber 206 of the pump 202. The flow regulator 260 is preferably a snap-on type that is open when retracted (pulled out) and closed when inserted (pushed in). FIG. 8 provides a cross-section of the pump 202 illustrating the housing 204 that defines the chamber 206 and the outlet 218 fluidly communicating with treatment composition in the chamber 206.

The applicator 208 includes a closure cap 224 that slottedly engages the pump housing 204 to cover the flow regulator 260 and orifice 262 during non-use. As shown in the cross-section of FIG. 9, the closure cap 224 includes internal slots 270 into which the flow regulator 260 engage during non-use of the apparatus 200. The closure cap 224 further includes internal slot 272 into which orifice 262 is safely inserted.

A suitable surface defect treatment composition may perform a number of functions, for example, enhancing of the appearance of defects, increasing the durability of the repaired region, minimizing damage to the surrounding coated substrate (i.e., minimizing the change in glossiness to the surrounding top coat). The following is a detailed description of the components of one type of treatment composition suitable for use with the above-described treatment apparatus and method.

The Abrasive

The abrasive essentially smoothes out the defect. In one embodiment, the abrasive consists essentially of inorganic particles. The constitution of the inorganic particles may vary depending on the method of application, the defect, the coating involved, and the level of aggressiveness desired.

The aggressiveness of the abrasive is determined, among other things, by the average particle size of the inorganic particles and the hardness of the inorganic particles. The hardness of the inorganic particles is a function of the particle surface area.

The desired average particle size will depend on a number of factors, for example, the desired workability of the surface defect treatment composition and the method of application. In one embodiment, the average particle size of the inorganic particles is from about 0.1 to about 12.0 microns. In one embodiment, the average particle size of the inorganic particles is from about 2 to about 5 microns. In another embodiment, the inorganic particles have an average particle size of from about 2.0 to about 3.2 microns.

Depending on the average particle size, the inorganic particles have a surface area of from about 6 to about 17 m²/g. In one example, the inorganic particles have a surface area of from about 6 to about 15 m²/g. In another embodiment, the inorganic particles have a surface area of from about 8 to about 15 m²/g. In an advantageous embodiment, the inorganic particles have a surface area of from about 8 to about 11 m²/g.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the inorganic particles have an average particle size of from about 2.0 to about 3.2 microns and a surface area of from about 8 to about 11 m²/g. In an advantageous embodiment, the inorganic particles have an average particle size of about 3 microns and a surface area of from about 8 to about 11 m²/g. These embodiments are particularly advantageous for direct manual application.

The inorganic particles may be any inorganic particles having the required average particle size and surface area. Suitable inorganic particles include, for example, aluminas, aluminates, silicas, silicates, and derivatives thereof. Specific examples of suitable particulates include, for example, aluminum oxide, silica, alpha-alumina, amorphous alumina silicate, amorphous silica, and crystalline silica. In one embodiment, the inorganic particles comprises an aluminum complex powder. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the aluminum complex powder comprises alpha-alumina. Suitable inorganic abrasive particles are commercially available from a variety of sources. One example of such source is Bernatex Corporation, 63 Middlesex Street, North Chelmsford, Mass. Another exemplary source of inorganic particulates is World Minerals, Inca, Lompoc, Calif.

In one embodiment, the surface defect treatment composition comprises from about 3 wt. % to about 7 wt. % abrasive. In a second embodiment, the surface defect treatment composition comprises from about 4.5 wt. % to about 5.5 wt. % abrasive. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the surface defect treatment composition comprises about 5.0 wt. % abrasive.

The Gloss Enhancer

The surface defect treatment composition also comprises a gloss enhancer. In one embodiment, the gloss enhancer is organopolysiloxane. Organopolysiloxanes enhance surface wettability and adhesion of the surface defect treatment composition to the surface of the coated substrate. In one embodiment, the gloss enhancer is an emulsion comprising one or more organopolysiloxanes.

Suitable organopolysiloxanes are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,206,956, incorporated herein by reference. The organopolysiloxanes include, for example, poly(dialkyl)siloxanes and organopolysiloxanes comprising functional groups such as aminoallyl groups and ethylenically unsaturated groups. In general, suitable organopolysiloxanes have the formula [R_(a)SiO_((4-a)/2)]_(n) wherein: R independently is selected from the group consisting of monovalent hydrocarbon radicals, hydroxy radicals, and hydrocarbonoxy radicals having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms, wherein the radicals may comprise one or more functional group including, for example, amino groups, mercapto groups, olefinic groups, and aromatic groups; a is on average from 0.7 to 2.6 per unit of the organopolysiloxane, and n is from 1 to 10,000.

Both branched and linear organopolysiloxanes are suitable. In one embodiment, the organopolysiloxane comprises repeating units having the following general structure:

wherein R¹ and R¹² individually are selected from the group consisting of phenyl groups, alkyl groups having from about 1 to 18 carbon atoms which are either saturated or comprise one or more unsaturated carbon-carbon bond. In one embodiment, R¹ and R² are methyl groups. In other embodiments, R¹ and R² are aminoalkyl groups and salts thereof. Suitable amino alkyl groups include, for example, ω-amino-C₁₋₈ alkyl and polyaminopolyalkyl groups. Suitable polyaminoalkyl groups include, for example, aminoethylaminopropyl groups, and salts thereof. Suitable unsaturated groups include, for example, vinyl groups, allyl groups, propenyl groups, isopropenyl groups, terminal C₄₋₁₈ alkenyl groups, alkynyl groups, vinyl ether groups, and allyl ether groups. The organopolysiloxanes also may comprise C₁₋₈ alkoxy groups. Suitable alkoxy groups include, for example, methoxy groups and ethoxy groups. The organopolysiloxanes may be terminated with end groups including, for example, trialkylsilyl groups, dialkylsilanolyl groups, dialkylalkoxysilyl groups, alkyldialkoxysilyl groups, and dialkylvinylsilyl groups. In one embodiment, the organopolysiloxanes are polydimethylsiloxanes end-capped with dimethylsilanolyl groups, or more preferably, trimethylsilyl groups. This list of organopolysiloxane fluids is illustrative and not limiting.

More generally, the organopolysiloxanes are those which can be readily dispersed to form aqueous emulsions, and which are stable to gellation in the aqueous composition. Mixtures of various organopolysiloxanes may be used as well, particularly mixtures of organopolysiloxanes of differing viscosities, for example, mixtures of low and high viscosity siloxanes. Such mixtures include, for example, mixtures of siloxanes having viscosities in the ranges of 10 cSt to 10,000 cSt and 1000 cSt to 1,000,000 cSt, with the siloxane in latter range being of higher viscosity than that in the former range, as measured at 25° C. according to ASTM D2983 (-93). The organosiloxane, whether a single organosiloxane or a mixture, suitably has a Brookfleld viscosity of 10 to 60,000 cSt. In one embodiment, the Brookfield viscosity is from 100 to 3000 cSt. In another embodiment, the Brookfield viscosity is from 300 to 500 cSt.

The organopolysiloxanes are employed in the form of an aqueous emulsion. In one embodiment, the emulsion is an oil-in-water emulsion of the polydimethylsiloxane. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the oil-in-water emulsion comprises polydimethylsiloxane having a viscosity of about 350 cSt. A commercially available emulsion is 350 cSt Silicone Emulsion, available from Wacker Silicones Corporation, which comprises about 60 wt. % polydimethylsiloxane.

In one embodiment, the surface defect treatment composition comprises from about 3 wt. % to about 7 wt. % organopolysiloxane emulsion, resulting in a total concentration of organopolysiloxane of from about 1.8 wt. % to about 4.2 wt. %, based on the total weight of the surface defect composition. In another embodiment, the surface defect treatment composition comprises from about 4 wt. % to about 6 wt. % organosiloxane emulsion, resulting in a total concentration of organopolysiloxane of from about 2.4 wt. % to about 3.6 wt. %, based on the total weight of the surface defect composition. In an advantageous embodiment, the surface defect treatment composition comprises about 5.0 wt. % polydimethylsiloxane, resulting in a concentration of polydimethylsiloxane of from about 3 wt. %, based on the total weight of the surface defect composition.

Other Components

The surface defect treatment composition also may comprise additional components. Suitable additional components include, for example, water, preservative, lubricant, and dispersant.

—Aqueous Base

In one embodiment, the surface defect treatment composition comprises an aqueous base. Suitable aqueous bases include, for example, tap water and purified water. Purified water includes, for example, distilled water, deionized water, and water purified by reverse osmosis. Suitably, the aqueous base does not contain ions that may adversely affect the performance of the other components of the surface defect composition and/or encourage microbial growth in the treated region of the coated substrate.

A particularly advantageous aqueous base is deionized water. In one embodiment, the surface defect treatment composition comprises from about 78 wt. % to 88 wt. % aqueous base. In a second embodiment, the surface defect treatment composition comprises from about 82 wt. % to about 84 wt. % aqueous base. In one embodiment, the defect treatment composition comprises about 83 wt. % aqueous base.

—Preservative

The surface defect treatment composition may comprise one or more preservatives. Preservatives are useful (1) to prevent spoilage of the composition during storage, and (2) to prevent discoloration and microbial deterioration of the treated surface. A variety of preservatives may be used.

In one embodiment, the surface defect treatment composition comprises preservative comprising, as active ingredients, 5-chloro-2-meth-yl-4-isothiazolin-3-one (CAS #26172-55-4) and 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one (CAS #2682-20-4), which are commercially available from Rohm & Haas Company. The active ingredient typically is about 1.5 wt. % or less of the total preservative, with the remainder comprising inactive ingredients. Examples of inactive ingredients include, for example, metal salts, water, and/or solvent. Metal salts include, for example, copper salts and magnesium salts. Specific examples of metal salts include, for example, magnesium chloride (CAS #7786-30-3), magnesium nitrate (CAS #01377-60-3), and cupric nitrate (CAS #10031-43-3).

In a first embodiment, the surface defect treatment composition comprises preservative comprising as active ingredients from about 11 wt. % to about 1.2 wt. % 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, and from about 0.3 wt. % to about 0.4 wt. % 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one. In one embodiment, the preservative further comprises, as inactive ingredients, from about 20 wt. % to about 28.5 wt. % magnesium salt and from about 70 wt. % to about 78.5 wt. % water.

In an advantageous embodiment, the surface defect treatment composition comprises preservative comprising about 1.15 wt. % 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one and about 0.35 wt. % 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one. In one embodiment, the preservative further comprises about 23 wt. % magnesium salt and about 75.5 wt. % water.

In one embodiment, the surface defect treatment composition comprises from about 0.06 wt. % to about 0.10 wt. % preservative. In a second embodiment, the surface defect treatment composition comprises from about 0.075 wt. % to about 0.085 wt. % preservative. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the surface defect treatment composition comprises about 0.08 wt. % preservative.

—Lubricant

In one embodiment, the surface defect treatment composition further comprises lubricant. Lubricant aids in lubrication and handling of the surface defect treatment composition during application. Lubricant also retains moisture and avoids accumulation of difficult to remove dried residue on the coated substrate. Lubricant also avoids the generation and accumulation of excessive powder or dust on the coated substrate, which can generate static electricity and cause the surface defect treatment composition to adhere to the surface.

Substantially any hydrophilic lubricant may be used. Examples of suitable lubricants include, for example, lubricants comprising hydroxyl groups. In one embodiment, the lubricant comprises trihydric alcohol. In an advantageous embodiment, the lubricant is one or more glycerin and/or other glycerol based lubricants. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the lubricant comprises glycerine, which is commercially available from a number of commercial sources.

In one embodiment, the surface defect treatment composition comprises from about 3 wt. % to about 7 wt. % lubricant. In a second embodiment, the surface defect treatment composition comprises from about 4.5 wt. % to about 5.5 wt. % lubricant. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the surface defect treatment composition comprises about 5.0 wt. % lubricant.

—Thickener

The surface defect treatment composition suitably comprises one or more thickener. Suitable thickeners include, for example, hydrophilic non-ionic water soluble polymers. Suitable thickeners are effective to perform one or more function selected from the group consisting of thickening, suspending, emulsifying, forming films, dispersing, and retaining water. The thickener also may provide protective colloidal action for the abrasive in the composition.

In one embodiment, the surface defect treatment composition comprises water-soluble cellulose ethers. In one embodiment, the thickener is hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), which is commercially available from a variety of sources including, for example, The Dow Chemical Company.

A sufficient amount of thickener is used to provide the surface defect treatment composition with a desired dynamic viscosity. Suitable dynamic viscosities are from about 20,000 cP to about 50,000 cP, as determined using Brookfield Viscosity Measurement including a #4 Spindle at 12 RPM at room temperature (about 20° C.), according to ASTM D-2983(-93). In one embodiment, the dynamic viscosity of the surface defect treatment composition is about 31,200 cP.

In one embodiment, the surface defect treatment composition comprises from about 1.0 wt. % to about 6 wt. % thickener. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the surface defect treatment composition comprises about 5.0 wt. % thickener.

—Additional Components

The surface defect treatment composition also may comprise a variety of other components as long as those components do not interfere with the ability to treat, repair or otherwise improve the appearance of defects without damaging, altering or diminishing the performance of the surrounding surface. Suitable additional components include, for example, pigments, dyes, fragrances, viscosity modification agents, foaming agents, waxes, and propellants.

The surface defect treatment composition is produced simply by mixing the components together. A typical order of addition comprises first adding the aqueous base followed by adding the remaining components in no particular order. Alternately, the other components can be added prior to adding the aqueous base, or all of the components can be added simultaneously with mixing. In one embodiment, the mixture is continuously agitated as each of the components is added.

Surface Defect Treatment

Once a defect is identified in a coated substrate, the composition is applied to the region on the coated substrate comprising the defect. The surface defect treatment composition can be applied to the defect by any suitable method, for example, by spraying, pouring, and/or using a hand held applicator. In one embodiment, the surface defect treatment composition is applied using a scratch pen.

The surface defect treatment composition smoothes out defects without significantly damaging the surface surrounding the defect. One measure of improvement is an increase in scratch diminishment (subjective). Improvement also is indicated objectively by: an increase in mean gloss after treatment of the defect, as measured by an increase in gloss units (GU) using a suitable glossometer, for example, a Byk Gardner micro-Trigloss; and, a decrease in depth and/or width of the defect, as measured by Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy. A suitable Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope may be obtained, for example, from Leica Microsystems, 410 Eagleview Blvd., Exton, Pa.

The application will be better understood with reference to the following examples, which are illustrative only:

EXAMPLE 1

A surface defect treatment composition having the following formula was prepared. The numerical values in Table 1 represent weight percent based on the weight of the total composition. TABLE 1 Components Wt. % Deionized Water 83.62% Water based preservative 0.08% 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one¹ (1.15%) 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one² (0.35%) Magnesium Salts (23%) Water (75.5%) Abrasive 5.00% Glycerin 5.00% Hydroxyethyl Cellulose 1.30% 3350 cSt Silicone Emulsion³ 5.00% ¹Obtained from Rohm & Haas Company. ²Obtained from Rohm & Haas Company. ³Obtained from Wacker Silicone Corporation.

The abrasive was MR-100 3 Micron (100% alpha alumina) having an average particle size of about 3 microns with a surface area of from 8 to 11 m²/g, obtained from Bernatex Corporation.

EXAMPLE 2

One each of black, red, and white colored panels were inflicted with scratches by rubbing each of the panels using cloth or paper towel against ISO 12103-1 A1 Ultrafine Test Dust In each of the three panels, 10 randomly located scratches were made to eliminate location dependence. Next, each panel was cleaned with a towel to remove dirt and other contaminants.

Initial readings for each of the scratches on all three panels were taken prior to treatment with the composition described in Table 1 by visual means. Once initial readings for each scratch were recorded, the composition was applied to each scratch as discussed above. Following application of the composition, readings were once again taken for each scratch by visual means.

A subjective scratch diminishment scale was used for rating the visual scratch removal effectiveness of the composition—from 1 to 7, (i.e., 1 being the worst—scratch not removed to 7 being the best—scratch completely removed). Visual inspection included evaluation conducted by human eye and was subject to several factors including the surface characteristics of the panel, the quality of the observer's eyesight, and the observer's perceptions. These factors were influenced by both physics and physiology.

Tables 2-4 below represent subjective scratch diminishment scale results for each scratch of the black, red, and white panels. TABLE 2 BLACK COLOR PANEL Location on Scratch Diminish Scale Scratch Diminish Scale Panel before Treatment after Treatment 1 1 6 2 1 7 3 1 7 4 1 6 5 1 6 6 1 6 7 1 6 8 1 7 9 1 7 10 1 7

TABLE 3 RED COLOR PANEL Location on Scratch Diminish Scale Scratch Diminish Scale Panel before Treatment after Treatment 1 1 7 2 1 7 3 1 7 4 1 7 5 1 7 6 1 7 7 1 7 8 1 7 9 1 7 10 1 7

TABLE 4 WHITE COLOR PANEL Location on Scratch Diminish Scale Scratch Diminish Scale Panel before Treatment after Treatment 1 1 7 2 1 7 3 1 7 4 1 7 5 1 7 6 1 7 7 1 7 8 1 7 9 1 7 10 1 7

The above results demonstrate a scratch removal efficiency based on the overall scratch diminishment scale of better than 95% confidence level. The white and red panels showed greater scratch removal than the black panel.

Microscopic topographical readings were used to measure the dimension change of each scratch in terms of length, width and depth. In the testing:

-   -   (1) Five gloss measurements were taken before and after         treatment to obtain average gloss values and to establish the         repeatability of the test.     -   (2) The repeatability of the test was used to determine whether         the signal to noise (experimental error) ratio was high enough         to obtain statistical significance.     -   (3) Samples were tested in two stages: (a) scratched part;         and (b) treated part.     -   (4) Statistical analyses were performed to determine the         statistical significance between the pre-treatment parts vs the         treated parts.

FIGS. 10-15 represent scratch measurements using Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy for one random scratch on each of the black, red, and white panels—both prior to treatment and after treatment. At 1100 times magnification, the cross-sectional pictures showed clear improvement in the appearance of each scratch, as well as reduction in the size of scratches. The results are as follows:

Black Panel Cross-Section Profile Analysis (FIGS. 1 and 2):

-   -   The width of the groove reduced from about 30 microns to about 0         microns.     -   The depth of the groove reduced from about 2 microns to about 0         microns         Red Panel Cross-Section Profile Analysis (FIGS. 3 and 4):     -   The width of the groove reduced from about 140 microns to about         30 microns.     -   Depth measurements were undeterminable.         White Panel Cross-Section Profile Analysis (FIGS. 5 and 6):     -   The width of the groove reduced from about 250 microns to about         160 microns.     -   The depth of the groove reduced from about 41 microns to about         36 microns

The results demonstrate insignificant gloss changes to the area of the coated substrate surrounding the defect at a 95% confidence level.

EXAMPLE 3

Glossiness was evaluated for the scratched surfaces and the surfaces treated with the surface defect treatment composition of Example 1. Before any gloss measurements were taken, each panel was buffed with towels. Five measurements of gloss were taken at 60° for each scratch location and the average values before and after treatment with the composition described in Table 1 were used to determine the magnitude of gloss improvement.

Before use, the measuring unit was calibrated. The calibration cycle of three geometries is automatically performed. First the zero calibration is checked (dark calibration), then the gloss calibration for 20°, 60° and 85° is performed. Calibration is completed after approximately 10 seconds. The measuring unit is removed from the holder.

Five readings were taken at 60° on a 3 by 6-in (75 by 150-mm) area of the test specimen. The statistical capability of the BYK-Gardner GmbH micro-TRI-gloss; 20° 60° 85°” instrument, cat. no. 4520, was used to obtain a mean value and standard deviation.

The procedures generally are described in ASTM D-523(-89) “Standard Test Method for Specular Gloss.” The standard deviation was calculated according to: n $s = {\left. \sqrt{}\left( {{1/n} - 1} \right) \right.{\sum\left( {x_{i} - x} \right)^{2}}}$ i = 1

Tables 5-7 below list the results of the glossiness measurements at each scratch location: TABLE 5 BLACK COLOR PANEL Loca- tion Mean/ on Std Gloss before Treatment Gloss after Treatment Panel Dev (GU) (GU) 1 88.7, 88.6, 88.7, 88.6, 88.6 89.7, 89.7, 89.7, 89.7, 89.6 Mean 88.6 89.7 Std Dev  0.1  0.1 2 88.9, 88.9, 88.9, 88.9, 88.9 89.4, 89.5, 89.4, 89.4, 89.4 Mean 88.9 89.4 Std Dev  0.1  0.1 3 88.5, 88.4, 88.5, 88.6, 88.6 89.2, 89.3, 89.2, 89.2, 89.2 Mean 88.5 89.2 Std Dev  0.1  0.1 4 85.5, 85.5, 85.5, 85.5, 85.4 89.0, 89.1, 89.0, 89.0, 89.1 Mean 85.5 89.0 Std Dev  0.1  0.1 5 82.5, 82.6, 82.5, 82.5, 82.5 84.3, 84.3, 84.3, 84.2, 84.2 Mean 82.5 84.3 Std Dev  0.1  0.1 6 81.2, 81.1, 81.2, 81.1, 81.1 84.9, 84.9, 84.9, 84.8, 84.8 Mean 81.1 84.9 Std Dev  0.1  0.1 7 84.6, 84.7, 84.7, 84.7, 84.7 86.8, 86.9, 86.9, 86.9, 86.8 Mean 84.7 86.9 Std Dev  0.1  0.1 8 80.4, 80.5, 80.6, 80.6, 80.6 87.0, 86.8, 86.7, 86.7, 86.7 Mean 80.5 86.8 Std Dev  0.2  0.2 9 85.0, 85.0, 85.0, 84.8, 84.8 88.9, 89.0, 89.0, 89.0, 89.0 Mean 84.9 89.0 Std Dev  0.2  0.1 10 86.2, 86.1, 86.1, 86.1, 86.1 86.9, 86.8, 86.7, 86.7, 86.7 Mean 86.1 86.8 Std Dev  0.1  0.2

TABLE 6 RED COLOR PANEL Loca- tion Mean/ on Std Gloss before Treatment Gloss after Treatment Panel Dev (GU) (GU) 1 80.4, 80.5, 80.4, 80.4, 80.4 85.6, 85.7, 85.8, 85.8, 85.8 Mean 80.4 85.7 Std Dev  0.1  0.2 2 79.9, 79.9, 79.8, 79.8, 79.8 86.9, 86.9, 86.9, 86.9, 86.9 Mean 79.8 86.9 Std Dev  0.1  0.1 3 80.7, 80.6, 80.7, 80.6, 80.6 84.1, 84.3, 84.3, 84.3, 84.3 Mean 80.6 84.3 Std Dev  0.1  0.2 4 67.6, 67.6, 67.5, 67.6, 67.6 87.2, 87.2, 87.3, 87.3, 87.3 Mean 67.6 87.3 Std Dev 1   0.1 5 79.1, 78.4, 78.8, 79.0, 79.1 84.5, 84.9, 84.8, 84.8, 84.8 Mean 78.9 84.8 Std Dev  0.2  0.2 6 83.6, 83.7, 83.7, 83.7, 83.7 86.6, 86.7, 86.7, 86.7, 86.7 Mean 83.7 86.7 Std Dev  0.1  0.1 7 81.2, 81.3, 81.3, 81.2, 81.2 84.6, 84.8, 84.7, 84.7, 84.7 Mean 81.2 84.7 Std Dev  0.1  0.1 8 74.3, 74.2, 74.3, 74.2, 74.3 86.0, 86.2, 86.0, 86.0, 85.9 Mean 74.3 86.0 Std Dev  0.1  0.2 9 78.7, 78.8, 78.8, 78.8, 78.7 89.2, 89.2, 89.2, 89.2, 89.1 Mean 78.8 89.2 Std Dev  0.1  0.1 10 83.5, 83.5, 83.5, 83.5, 83.5 86.6, 86.7, 86.7, 86.7, 86.6 Mean 83.5 86.7 Std Dev  0.1  0.1

TABLE 7 WHITE COLOR PANEL Loca- tion Mean/ on Std Gloss before Treatment Gloss after Treatment Panel Dev (GU) (GU) 1 83.0, 83.1, 83.1, 83.1, 83.1 90.0, 90.0, 90.1, 90.0, 90.0 Mean 83.1 90.0 Std Dev  0.1  0.1 2 73.7, 73.6, 73.6, 73.7, 73.6 89.0, 89.1, 89.1, 89.1, 89.0 Mean 73.6 89.1 Std Dev  0.1  0.1 3 68.7, 68.8, 68.9, 68.9, 68.9 89.7, 89.9, 90.0, 90.0, 90.0 Mean 68.8 89.9 Std Dev  0.2  0.2 4 72.1, 72.2, 72.3, 72.3, 72.4 87.2, 87.2, 87.1, 87.0, 87.0 Mean 72.3 87.1 Std Dev  0.2  0.2 5 70.9, 71.0, 70.9, 70.9, 70.9 88.0, 88.2, 88.7, 88.7, 88.7 Mean 70.9 88.5 Std Dev  0.1  0.4 6 77.8, 77.3, 77.3, 77.3, 77.2 89.2, 89.3, 89.3, 89.3, 89.3 Mean 77.4 89.3 Std Dev  0.2  0.1 7 68.9, 68.9, 69.0, 69.0, 69.0 89.6, 89.7, 89.6, 89.5, 89.5 Mean 69.0 89.6 Std Dev  0.1  0.1 8 73.1, 73.1, 73.1, 73.2, 73.2 88.9, 88.8, 88.9, 88.9, 88.8 Mean 73.1 88.9 Std Dev  0.1  0.1 9 70.9, 71.0, 70.9, 71.0, 71.0 88.9, 89.1, 89.1, 89.0, 89.0 Mean 71.0 89.0 Std Dev  0.1  0.1 10 79.8, 79.9, 79.9, 79.9, 79.9 88.7, 88.8, 88.8, 88.9, 88.8 Mean 79.9 88.8 Std Dev  0.1  0.1 The above results indicate gloss improvement at each scratch location.

EXAMPLE 3

Tests were conducted on each panel to assess damage to surfaces surrounding each scratch after treatment with the composition described in Table 1. Base line gloss readings and after treatment gloss readings for all panels were accomplished in the same manner as described in Example 2. Again, before any gloss measurements were taken, the panels were buffed with a towel to take off dirt or contaminants.

Four randomly selected locations were chosen for each color panel, and the gloss measurements of both the treated and untreated panels were determined based on ASTM D 523(-89) “Standard Test Method for Specular Gloss.” Five measurements of gloss were taken at each location both prior to and following treatment with the composition. The average values before treatment and after treatment were used to determine the magnitude of gloss change at the areas surrounding the scratches.

Tables 8-10 below list the results of the glossiness measurements for the surrounding areas before and after treatment. TABLE 8 Gloss Gloss Gloss Gloss Gloss Location Reading 1 Reading 2 Reading 3 Reading 4 Reading 5 Standard on Panel (GU) (GU) (GU) (GU) (GU) Mean Deviation Black Panel Before Treatment 1 89.1 89.1 89.0 88.9 88.9 89.0 0.2 2 89.8 89.7 89.7 89.9 89.9 89.8 0.2 3 88.7 88.7 88.7 88.7 88.7 88.7 0.1 4 88.1 87.9 87.5 87.5 87.5 87.7 0.2 Black Panel After Treatment 1 89.1 89.0 89.0 88.9 88.9 89.0 0.1 2 89.4 89.5 89.4 89.4 89.4 89.4 0.1 3 88.3 88.3 88.3 88.3 88.3 88.3 0.1 4 88.2 88.3 88.1 88.1 88.1 88.2 0.2

TABLE 9 Gloss Gloss Gloss Gloss Gloss Location Reading 1 Reading 2 Reading 3 Reading 4 Reading 5 Standard on Panel (GU) (GU) (GU) (GU) (GU) Mean Deviation Red Panel Before Treatment 1 88.8 88.8 88.8 88.8 88.6 88.8 0.2 2 88.2 88.1 88.1 88.1 88.1 88.1 0.1 3 88.3 88.5 88.5 88.5 88.6 88.5 0.2 4 87.6 87.7 87.6 87.6 87.6 87.6 0.1 Red Panel After Treatment 1 88.4 88.5 88.5 88.5 88.5 88.5 0.1 2 87.9 88.0 88.0 88.0 88.0 88.0 0.1 3 88.6 88.7 88.7 88.6 88.6 88.6 0.1 4 87.8 87.9 87.9 87.9 87.9 87.9 0.1

TABLE 10 Gloss Gloss Gloss Gloss Gloss Location Reading 1 Reading 2 Reading 3 Reading 4 Reading 5 Standard on Panel (GU) (GU) (GU) (GU) (GU) Mean Deviation White Panel Before Treatment 1 90.0 90.0 90.0 89.9 89.9 90.0 0.1 2 89.1 89.1 88.9 88.8 88.8 88.9 0.2 3 89.2 89.2 89.1 89.2 89.1 89.2 0.1 4 89.0 89.0 88.9 88.9 88.9 88.9 0.1 White Panel After Treatment 1 89.7 89.8 89.8 89.8 89.8 89.8 0.1 2 89.0 89.1 89.1 89.1 89.0 89.1 0.1 3 89.5 89.6 89.6 89.6 89.6 89.6 0.1 4 88.8 88.9 88.9 88.9 88.9 88.9 0.1

The above results indicate 95% confidence level that there were no significant gloss changes to the top coat surrounding the scratches.

EXAMPLE 4

A surface defect treatment composition was prepared substituting Abrasive MIR-100 as the abrasive in the formula shown in Table 1 and the panels were scratched and treated as described in Example 2 MIR-100 is an alpha alumina from Bernatex Corporation having an average particle size of 2.2 microns and a surface are of from 12 to 15 m²/g.

The surface defect treatment composition produced adequate visual results, but the scratch remained more visible using MIR-100 than using the same composition comprising MIR-100 3 Micron (Examples 1-3).

EXAMPLE 5

The formula shown in Table 1 was used substituting a variety of abrasives having larger particle sizes, as follows: Particle Abrasive Material Supplier Chemistry Size Perlite Acrylux 1000 World Alpha Alumina (D10) 27 Minerals Microns World Amorphous Alumino- (D50) 64 Minerals silicate Microns World Amorphous Alumino- D(90) 121 Minerals silicate Microns Perlite Arylux 150 World Amorphous Alumino- (D10) 87 Minerals silicate Microns World Amorphous Alumino- (D50) 138 Minerals silicate Microns World Amorphous Alumino- (D90) 214 Minerals silicate Microns Perlite Harborlite World Amorphous Alumino- Median 17.0 Minerals silicate Mic

(1) The formulas all produced a substantial amount of damage to the surrounding surface of the coating, indicating that the abrasive was too aggressive for efficient use.

While the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments and examples, it is not restricted to those embodiments and examples. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In further embodiments, for example, the apparatus may be provided with or without a buffer device and the chamber of the pump housing may store different surface defect treatment compositions. Other variations of the apparatus may incorporate different material compositions and different configurations of the pump and other components, again without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. An apparatus for treating a surface defect on a target surface, the apparatus comprising: a pump having a housing that defines a chamber for storage of a surface defect treatment composition; and an applicator having an orifice in fluid communication with the chamber; and wherein the pump and the applicator are positioned such that the pump housing is manually compressible to directly deliver surface defect treatment composition from the chamber to a target surface defect on a surface by way of the orifice.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the chamber stores a surface defect treatment composition comprising abrasives.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the chamber stores a surface defect treatment composition comprising abrasives and a gloss enhancer.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a buffer device attached to the pump housing, the buffer device being adapted to buffing of a surface defect with a surface defect treatment composition.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the buffer device includes a blade configured for distributing treatment composition about the target surface.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the blade is a semi-porous material adapted to retain and distribute treatment composition.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the blade is a felt material.
 8. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the pump housing has a generally elongated body, the applicator being attached to an anterior end and the buffer device being attached to a posterior end.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing is constructed of a plastic material.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the chamber has an outlet and the applicator includes a flow regulator fluidly communicating the outlet with the orifice.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing is generally elongated and has generally varying lateral dimensions, such that the volume of the chamber is generally larger toward a first end adjacent the applicator than at a second end.
 12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the applicator includes a dispensing tip housing the orifice and mating with the housing of the pump such that the pump housing is maneuverable to direct the dispensing tip to a target surface.
 13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the pump housing and applicator form a generally elongated, tapered construction, the applicator having a lateral dimension substantially reduced from a lateral dimension of the pump housing in a section adjacent a first end whereto the applicator is attached.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pump housing has an elastic construction, such that the pump housing resiliently returns to an initial configuration after compression of the pump housing.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the chamber stores a surface defect treatment composition comprising: abrasive consisting essentially of inorganic particles having an average particle size of from about 0.1 to about 12.0 microns and a surface area of from about 6 to about 17 m²/g; and, an emulsion comprising one or more organopolysiloxanes.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the organopolysiloxane has a viscosity of from about 10 to about 60,000 cSt.
 17. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the organopolysiloxane has a viscosity of from about 100 to about 3,000 cSt.
 18. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the organopolysiloxane has a viscosity of from about 300 to about 500 cSt.
 19. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the organopolysiloxane is polydimethylsiloxane.
 20. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the organopolysiloxane is polydimethylsiloxane.
 21. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the inorganic particles have an average particle size of from about 2.0 to about 3.2 microns and a surface area of from about 8 to about 11 m²/g.
 22. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the inorganic particles have an average particle size of from about 2.0 to about 3.2 microns and a surface area of from about 8 to about 11 m²/g.
 23. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the surface defect treatment composition further comprises a quantity of thickener comprising hydrophilic non-ionic water soluble polymer sufficient to produce a dynamic viscosity of from about 20,000 cP to about 50,000 cP.
 24. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the surface defect treatment composition further comprises a quantity of thickener comprising hydrophilic non-ionic water soluble polymer sufficient to produce a dynamic viscosity of from about 20,000 cP to about 50,000 cP.
 25. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the inorganic particles have an average particle size of about 3 microns.
 26. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the inorganic particles comprise alpha alumina.
 27. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the inorganic particles comprise alpha alumina.
 28. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the surface defect treatment composition further comprises: from about 1.0 wt. % to about 1.6 wt. % hydroxyethylcellulose; from about 0.06% to about 0.10 wt % of preservative comprising one or more of 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one and 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one; and, from about 3 wt. % to about 7 wt. % glycerin.
 29. An applicator for treating a surface defect on a target surface, the apparatus comprising: a pump having a housing that defines a chamber storing a surface defect treatment composition; an applicator having an orifice in fluid communication with the chamber, wherein the pump and the applicator are positioned such that the pump housing is manually compressible to directly deliver composition from the chamber to a target surface defect on a surface by way of the orifice; and a buffer device attached to the pump housing, the buffer device including a blade configured for buffing a target surface defect with the surface defect treatment composition.
 30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the chamber stores a surface defect treatment composition comprising abrasives, the blade being adapted to apply the composition against the surface defect.
 31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the surface defect treatment composition comprises abrasives consisting essentially of inorganic particles having an average particle size of from about 0.1 to about 12.0 microns and a surface area of from about 6 to about 17 m²/g, and an emulsion comprising one or more organopolysiloxanes.
 32. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the pump housing has a generally elongated body, the applicator being attached to an anterior end and the buffer device being attached to a posterior end, and wherein the pump housing has generally varying lateral dimensions, such that the volume of the chamber is generally larger toward the anterior end adjacent the applicator than at the posterior end adjacent the buffer device.
 33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the pump housing has an elastic construction, such that the pump housing resiliently returns to an initial configuration after compression of the pump housing.
 34. A method for treating a surface defect on a target surface, the method comprising the steps of: providing an apparatus for treating a surface defect on a target surface, the apparatus having a pump including a housing that defines a chamber for storage of a surface defect treatment composition and handle for manual handling of the pump, and an applicator having an orifice in fluid communication with the chamber, wherein the pump and the applicator are positioned such that the pump housing is manually compressible to directly deliver composition from the chamber to a target surface defect on a surface by way of the orifice; storing a surface defect treatment composition in the chamber of the pump housing; manually directing the applicator orifice to the vicinity of the target surface, through handling of the pump housing; compressing the pump housing to displace treatment composition in the chamber and to deliver the treatment composition directly to the surface defect, including manually controlling the rate of dispensing of the treatment composition by way of manual operation of the pump; and distributing the surface treatment composition about the surface, thereby buffing the surface defect and diminishing the appearance of the surface defect.
 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the treatment apparatus further includes a buffer device attached thereto, said method further comprising the step of maneuvering the pump housing by way of the handle area to direct the buffer device to the target surface, such that, the buffing step is performed with the buffer device.
 36. The method of claim 34, wherein the storing and distributing steps include storing and distributing a surface defect treatment composition comprising abrasive particles.
 37. The method of claim 36, wherein the storing step includes storing a surface treatment composition comprising abrasive consisting essentially of inorganic particles having an average particle size of from about 0.1 to about 12.0 microns and a surface area of from about 6 to about 17 m²/g, and an emulsion comprising one or more organopolysiloxanes 